The sixth-year softball coach and his Delta Mustangs open their season today with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Taft College. For the first time, Fisher returns no starters from the previous season. Reserve catcher Monique Tong is the only familiar face.

"It feels like we are going back to square one," Fisher said. "I feel like I'm in my first year again where everyone has to get to know each other."

In 2008, Fisher's first season, the Mustangs finished last in the Big 8 Conference. But they have made the playoffs each year since and were state runners-up in 2011.

Last season, they advanced to the super regionals behind conference pitcher of the year Kelsie Monroe. She opted not to return for a sophomore season when Cal State Bakersfield offered her a scholarship. No. 2 pitcher Taylor Davis was a sophomore and transferred to Cal State San Bernardino.

The Mustangs had five players earn all-conference, including third baseman Jessyca Rico, the only freshman. But she will miss this season after having arm surgery. Center fielder Rachel Frasier was expected back but did not qualify academically, reserve utility player Sam Golsten declined to return after winter break and third baseman Katie Etcheverry planned to return after sitting out last season with foot surgery, then was diagnosed with Lupus.

"We lost a bunch at the last minute for various reasons," Fisher said. "It's going to be interesting to see how we recover."

The left side of the infield will be two Weston Ranch graduates - third baseman Angelysa Washington and shortstop Alex Alvarado. Washington was an All-Valley Oak League first-team selection when she hit .421 as a senior, then sat out the following season at Cal State East Bay.

Second base is secured by Brianne Moreno. The Modesto-Beyer graduate played for Cosumnes River in 2011 and made all-conference honorable mention by hitting .375.

Playing first base will be Brittany Ward of St. Mary's or Jasmine Barry of Sacramento-McClatchy, who hit .377 and was 8-2 with a 2.90 ERA as a pitcher her senior year.

Shaina Kharufeh takes over at catcher. The freshman out of Tokay hit .391 last season.

"I'm excited to start because I think we'll have a good team," Kharufeh said. "We've got a good lineup that can get on base."

In the outfield are Alyssa Magana, Angela Magana and Isabella Nicol. Alyssa Magana last played softball for Lodi as a sophomore in 2009-10. Angela Magana, not related to Alyssa, hit .275 last season at St. Mary's. Nicol was an All-Mother Lode League selection after hitting .375 last season at Linden.

Freshman Tatina Beilstein will be Delta's No. 1 pitcher. She went 8-2 with a 2.14 ERA last season at Calaveras. Barry will likely back her up.

"I'm not too worried because I played on a young team like this last year," Beilstein said. "So far we've bonded fine."